It's been said that every nation has its Mineral. Well, I don't know if every nation has its version of the seminal midwest emo band, but a lot of them do: Germany had Reno Kid, Australia had Arrows, Singapore has Tapestry, Austria had Everton, Brazil had Moan. (And I admit that the collector in me is haunted by the thought that every nation does have its Mineral, and most of them have been lost.)
The UK had (and has) a vast emo scene and there are several bands that could hold the title of the UK's Mineral. Rydell is probably the most well-known band in the running, though personally I would disagree. Rydell were the UK's Penfold, not Mineral.
The Autumn Year, on the other hand, do a damn fine Mineral impression at times. This is more apparent on their EP and the split, but the album certainly has its moments. 'The End of the Year' especially is a classic midwest emo build to release, and that opening riff from 'Saved On Record' is just amazing. I don't know why this band is relatively unknown compared to their contemporaries, but they deserve to be heard.
They were consistent with their timing: their demo was released in 1999, the EP came out in 2000, the split in 2001, and the LP in 2002. An unreleased track called 'The Sideline Wait' was recorded in the same session as the album. Unfortunately, the demo has yet to make its way online.
you said arrows is the australian mineral––i dont disagree, but im curious if youve ever heard in sepia. theyre extremely mineral too, and if youre not familiar i bet theyd be up your alley.
ReplyDeleteI am familiar with In Sepia and wish they had put out a full length. I am especially fond of 'Four Litre Drops.'
Deletelove that one. incandescent is probably my favorite of theirs
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